Frequently Asked Questions

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A class action is a lawsuit that combines the claims of multiple plaintiffs so that they can be adjudicated at one time. The claims must be similar enough that one judgment covers the whole "class" of plaintiffs. Often, the claims on their own would be impractical to pursue because of low individual monetary value. Combined, however, those same claims can be a powerful tool to obtain appropriate compensation for victims and prevent future wrongful acts by defendants. 

Not yet. The tax refund investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and whether a lawsuit or any other type action is filed will be determined based on the facts as they are uncovered. Also, not all claims turn into lawsuits - some claims may not proceed beyond investigation, some may settle before filing or on the eve of trial, and some claims might go all the way through trial and possibly even to appeal.   

The vast majority of plaintiffs in class action lawsuits have no direct involvement in the proceedings other than joining the suit. Generally, only the representative lead/named plaintiff in the lawsuit needs to be involved directly, and compensation for the lead plaintiff's efforts and involvement will be determined by the court. 

Attorneys in class action lawsuits work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment comes as a percentage of the proceeds of any final settlement or verdict. This means that for plaintiffs, there are no upfront costs associated with participating in the suit. 

How long a case will take for resolution can vary widely depending on the facts of the case and the procedural posture. Some cases could settle in a matter of months while other cases could proceed through the courts over the course of many years.   

It will depend on the damages that you incurred, the verdict or settlement amount, and the approval of the court. As a general rule, damages available in a class action lawsuit are the same as in any other suit, and can include compensatory/monetary damages (including punitive damages), restitution for unjust gains by defendant, and injunctive relief. So, how much you might recover will depend on many factors. 

This page will periodically be updated to reflect the most commonly asked questions.